Restaurant Chain Growth Report 06/02/15

Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators Concepts that have grown by at least 5% (if less than 50 units).

Nashville, TN-based MAX & ERMA’S RESTAURANT (founded 1972) has increased by 2 units, from 66 to 68 (3% growth) and entered into MS. These family/casual restaurants serve American cuisine, open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average. The restaurants have full bar service and seating for around 150. Catering is available. Trading areas are IN, KY, MI, MO, MS, OH, PA, SD, VA and WV. Between 20% and 30% of the restaurants are franchised. Max & Erma’s is a subsidiary of American Blue Ribbon Holdings.

Toronto, ON-based NEW YORK FRIES (founded 1984) has increased by 2 units for the New York Fries concept, from 153 to 155 (1% concept growth) and entered into Oman, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The company also increased by 11 units for the South St Burger Co concept, from 21 to 32 (52% concept growth). Overall company increase was from 174 to 187 (7% company growth). The restaurants are quick serve, open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is limited. Trading areas are AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PQ, SK, Asia and the Middle East. All locations are franchised.

Nashville, TN-based O’CHARLEY’S (founded 1971) has increased by 1 unit, from 212 to 213 (1% growth). The restaurants serve American cuisine, open for lunch and dinner. Per person check average is $8-$20+, with full bar service and seating for about 250. Catering is available. Trading areas are AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA and WV. Less than 10% of the restaurants are franchised. O’Charley’s is a subsidiary of American Blue Ribbon Holdings.

Emerging and Re-emerging ConceptsConcepts with 20 units or less who grew by at least 2 units.

Athens, GA-based YOUR PIE (founded 2008) has increased by 7 units, from 19 to 26 (37% growth) and entered into IL, OK and VA. This fast casual pizzeria concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average. Locations serve beer and wine with average seating for about 60. Catering, delivery and online ordering options are available. Stores are franchised and trade in FL, GA, IL, OK, SC, TN and VA.

Repeat GrowersConcepts previously written about in the past 18 months.

Lubbock, TX-based BAHAMA BUCK’S (founded 1990) has increased by 25 units, from 36 to 61 (69% growth) and entered into AL and FL. This quick serve shaved ice concept is open for lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 20, with drive-thru service available. All units are franchised and trade in AL, AZ, FL, NM, NV and TX. We last featured this concept on 7/8/14 (33% growth).

Dallas, PA-based METZ CULINARY MANAGEMENT (founded 1994) has increased by 4 units for the Marlow’s Tavern concept, from 13 to 17 (31% concept growth) and entered into FL. The company also operates Aqua Blue (1), Krispy Kreme (2), Lucky’s Sporthouse (1), Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (1), Tgi Friday’s (13) and Wolfgang Puck Express (1). Overall company increase was from 32 to 36 (13% growth). Marlow’s Tavern is family/casual, open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average. Locations have full bar service and seating for about 250. Catering and private party services are available. Company trading areas are FL, GA, NJ and PA. We last wrote about this company on 4/29/14 (14% growth).